For travelers seeking the ultimate carry-on companion, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack emerges as a top contender. This durable and thoughtfully designed knapsack isn’t just a bag; it’s a travel solution, expertly crafted for journeys spanning from quick weekend escapes to week-long adventures. If you’re committed to packing efficiently or prefer a lighter load, especially if you’re of smaller stature, this could be the only travel bag you’ll ever need. With grab handles on three sides, maneuvering it in tight spaces is effortless, and a luggage pass-through secures it to your rolling carry-on. Backed by a lifetime warranty and built to last, this travel knapsack has proven its worth over six years of rigorous testing, effectively replacing a multitude of travel bags and luggage for many seasoned travelers. Paired with a personal item, it streamlines your travel experience like never before.
Why the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the Best Travel Knapsack
Versatile and All-Around Great: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L distinguishes itself as a truly versatile travel knapsack, adept at handling diverse travel scenarios. Its mid-range 35-liter capacity hits the sweet spot, offering ample space without becoming cumbersome. While Cotopaxi offers the Allpa in 28L and 42L sizes, the 35L version stands out as the most practical for most travelers. Testers found the 42L too bulky and heavy when fully loaded, desiring a more substantial hip belt for that size. Conversely, the 28L was deemed slightly too compact, with its organization features feeling somewhat excessive for shorter trips. Cotopaxi also offers a hip pack accessory designed to integrate seamlessly with the Allpa, a convenient addition for those who appreciate hands-free exploration while traveling.
Perfect Size: The 35L Sweet Spot: Choosing the right size for a travel knapsack is crucial, and the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L strikes an ideal balance. It’s spacious enough for extended trips, yet compact enough to meet most carry-on size restrictions, making it the Best Travel Knapsack for avoiding checked baggage fees and airport hassles. This 35-liter capacity allows for efficient packing without encouraging overpacking, a common pitfall with larger bags.
Durable Materials for the Rigors of Travel: Constructed from 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon, the Allpa 35L is built to endure the demands of travel. This robust material, akin to heavy-duty canvas but with a more pronounced weave, offers exceptional resilience. Whether you’re sliding it into an overhead bin or tossing it into the back of a vehicle, this knapsack is designed to withstand rough handling. Adding to its durability, the Allpa includes a rainfly, a unique and valuable feature not commonly found in travel knapsacks in this category, providing extra protection against unexpected downpours.
Organized Interior for Stress-Free Packing: Organization is key to efficient travel, and the Allpa 35L excels in this aspect with its clamshell design. Mirroring a suitcase, a robust YKK zipper (a leading brand in zippers) opens the bag fully, revealing two distinct compartments. The right side features a deep main compartment, perfectly sized for packing cubes or a substantial amount of clothing, secured by a mesh zippered flap. The left side offers space for additional packing, including a medium-sized packing cube, also behind a zippered flap. Above this, two smaller, high-visibility pockets are ideal for organizing smaller personal items. A stretch mesh pocket conveniently accommodates a water bottle up to 1 liter, keeping hydration readily accessible.
Secure Yet Accessible Design: Security is paramount when traveling, and the Allpa 35L incorporates several features to safeguard your belongings without compromising accessibility. Two side-access zippers offer convenient on-the-go access. One reveals a padded laptop compartment with a false bottom, providing extra protection for your device. The other side zipper leads to a discreet “secret” pocket, offering hidden access to the main compartment. Furthermore, all main compartment zippers are equipped with security loops, effectively deterring opportunistic theft by preventing quick, unnoticed zipper openings.
Comfortable to Carry Over Long Distances: Comfort is non-negotiable for a travel knapsack, and the Allpa 35L is engineered for comfortable carry, even over extended periods. The included hip belt, which can be stowed away when not needed, enhances weight distribution and comfort when engaged. Whether utilizing the hip belt or not, the Allpa remains comfortable for long treks. Notably, the shoulder straps are contoured to comfortably fit various body types, a detail appreciated by testers of different builds.
Minor Drawbacks
Capacity Considerations: While the 35L capacity is ideal for many, travelers who tend to overpack or require specialized gear might find it slightly limiting. However, for those committed to efficient packing, the 35L offers ample space while maintaining carry-on compliance.
Weight: At 2 pounds 7 ounces, the Allpa 35L is not the lightest travel knapsack on the market. However, this weight is a trade-off for its robust durability and feature-rich design.
Conclusion
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack stands out as the best travel knapsack for its exceptional blend of durability, organization, security, and comfort. Its thoughtful design and robust construction make it a reliable companion for any travel style. For those seeking a versatile, carry-on compliant travel solution, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is an investment that promises to enhance your travel experiences for years to come.
